Refuse packer control system

ABSTRACT

A control system for operating fluid actuated components utilized in cycling a refuse engaging panel of a refuse transferring and compacting mechanism disposed in the refuse receiving hopper of a refuse collection vehicle, generally including a fluid tank, a pump having an inlet communicating with the tank, a control valve having a main fluid passageway therethrough communicating at an inlet port thereof with the outlet of said pump and at an outlet port thereof with said tank, the valve including a first valve spool selectively operable for communicating the main fluid passageway thereof with a first fluid actuated component, a second valve spool selectively operable for communicating the main fluid passageway thereof with a second fluid actuated component and a third valve disposed between the second valve spool and the outlet port of the main valve passageway, movable axially between a first position obstructing the main fluid passageway thus permitting fluid under pressure to be supplied to said first and second valve spools, and a second position unobstructing the main fluid passageway, the valve including means for biasing the third valve in the first position, means for shifting the first valve spool axially for controlling the supply of fluid under pressure to the first fluid actuated component, means for shifting the second valve spool axially for controlling the supply of fluid under pressure to the second fluid actuated component and means for shifting the third valve spool from its first position to its second position against the action of the biasing means.

'United States Patent [191 McKenzie Nov. 4, 1975 1 REFUSE PACKER CONTROL SYSTEM [75] Inventor: Roland W. McKenzie, Culpepper,

[73] Assignee: City Tank Corporation, Culpepper,

[22] Filed: May 6, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 467,514

Primary ExaminerLeo Friaglia Assistant Examiner-R. Schrecengost Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Mason, Fenwick & Lawrence [57] ABSTRACT A control system for operating fluid actuated components utilized in cycling a refuse engaging panel of a refuse transferring and compacting mechanism disposed in the refuse receiving hopper of a refuse collection vehicle, generally including a fluid tank, a pump having an inlet communicating with the tank, a control valve having a main fluid passageway therethrough communicating at an inlet port thereof with the outlet of said pump and at an outlet port thereof with said tank, the valve including a first valve spool selectively operable for communicating the main fluid passageway thereof with a first fluid actuated component, a second valve spool selectively operable for communicating the main fluid passageway thereof with a second fluid actuated component and a third valve disposed between the second valve spool and the outlet port of the main valve passageway, movable axially between a first position obstructing the main fluid passageway thus permitting fluid under pressure to be supplied to said first and second valve spools, and a second position unobstructing the main fluid passage way, the valve including means for biasing the third valve in the first position, means for shifting the first valve spool axially for controlling the supply of fluid under pressure to the first fluid actuated component, means for shifting the second valve spool axially for controlling the supply of fluid under pressure to the second fluid actuated component and means for shifting the third valve spool from its first position to its second position against the action of the biasing means.

15 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures Sheet 1 of 5 3,917,085

US. Patent N v. 4, 1975 US. Patent Nov. 4, 1975 Sheet 2 of5 3,917,085

U.S. Patant Nov. 4, 1975 Sheet 3 of5 3,917,085

Patent Nov. 4, 1975 Sheet 4 of 5 n 3 A 8 m. 8 mm p man, 4+ n o n m 4 8 d a Q, m w I z I J]\ m m 4 b a A. A. 4 FOUL a J K 4 wz i L 9 J b J J 4 m 8 1 m Q a 4 4 9 a 4 9 o a b 0 Q s a Q 1 m 4 m k 4 k k US. Patent Nov. 4, 1975 Sheet5 0f5 3,917,085

REFUSE PACKER CONTROL SYSTEM This invention relates to a control system and more particularly to a fluid control system for operating a refuse transferring and compacting mechanism mounted in a refuse receiving hopper of a refuse collection truck. The invention further contemplates such a fluid control system which provides for the prevention of any part of an operators body being in the vicinity of the transferring and compacting mechanism while it is being cycled to transfer refuse deposited in the refuse receiving hopper into the storage body of the collection vehicle and compacting the refuse therein.

In the prior art, there has been developed a refuse collection vehicle which generally includes a refuse storage body mounted on a truck chassis, a refuse re ceiving hopper mounted on the rear end of the storage body and communicating interiorly with the storage body, and a mechanism mounted in the refuse receiving hopper, commonly referred to as a packer mechanism, for transferring refuse deposited in the hopper into the storage container and compacting the refuse therein.

A typical mechanism for transferring refuse from a refuse receiving hopper to a refuse storage body and compacting the refuse within the storage body, consists of a fluid actuated, rectilinearly moveable carrier unit, a fluid actuated packer panel pivotally mounted on the carrier unit and a fluid system for controlling the movements of the carrier unit and packer panel. In such a mechanism, the packer panel is adapted to pivot relative to the carrier unit to provide a refuse sweeping action which includes the crushing of bulky refuse. and the carrier unit is adapted to reciprocate along its line of travel to position the packer panel over refuse charged into the receiving hopper preceeding the sweeping action of the packer panel and move the packer panel while in a downwardly disposed position for transferring the refuse forwardly into the storage body and compacting such refuse therein. The movements of such packer panels and carriers are usually effected by means of fluid actuated piston and cylinder assemblies which are supplied with fluid under pressure by fluid systems to operate such components in a predetermined sequence to provide a cycling of the packer panel. The sequence of operation of such components usually is controlled by a control valve which functions to supply fluid under pressure sequentially to selected sides of the actuating piston and cylinder assemblies for the packer panel.

In the operation of such vehicles, it has been found that the cycling of the packer panel provides a safety hazard. In particular, it has been found that operating personnel engaged in manually depositing refuse in the receiving hoppers of such vehicles run the risk of having limbs caught by the packer panel when the transferring and compacting mechanism is being cycled, resulting in serious injury. In view of such hazard, it has been desirable to provide a refuse collection vehicle provided with a refuse receiving and compacting mechanism mounted in a receiving hopper thereof wherein the aforementioned safety hazard is eliminated.

Accordingly, it is principal object of the present invention to provide a novel control system for the packer mechanism of a refuse collection vehicle. Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel controlsystem for the packer mechanism of a re- 2 fuse collection vehicle which includes means for preventing accidents caused by the limbs of operating personnel being caught by the packer panel of a packer mechanism when the mechanism is being cycled to transfer refuse from the refuse hopper to the storage body of the vehicle and compact the refuse therein.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a control system for operating the packer mechanism of a refuse collection vehicle wherein the control sys tem eliminates the hazard of limbs of operating personnel being caught by the packer panel of the packer mechanism disposed in the refuse receiving hopper when the mechanism is being cycled, which is comparatively simple in construction and operation, relatively inexpensive to manufacture and service, and effective in performance.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of a refuse receiving hopper mounted on the rear end of a refuse storage body of a refuse collection vehicle. on which the re is mounted an embodiment of the' present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the refuse receivin hopper shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the mechanism for transferring refuse charged into the hopper to the forwardly disposed storage body and compacting the refuse therein. and further illustrating the embodiment of the invention mounted on the refuse receiving hopper;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along lines 33 in FIG. 1, illustrating the operating mechanism of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 44 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 55 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 77 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic-diagramatic view of the fluid control system for operating the mechanism illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the packer control valve utilized in the system shown in FIG. 8, illustrating the components thereof in exploded relation; and

FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 8.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 8, there is illustrated a refuse receiving hopper 20 mounted on the rear end of a refuse storage body 21 rigidly secured on a truck chassis, a mechanism 22 mounted within the receiving hopper for transferring refuse charged in to the receiving hopper into the storage body and compacting the refuse therein, a fluid system 23 for operating the mechanism 22, and a mechanism 24 mounted on the receiving hopper for operating a control valve 25 of the fluid system.

The refuse storage body 21 consists of a bottom wall rigidly secured to the truck chassis, a pair of side walls and a top wall. defining a rearwardly disposed opening. Disposed within the storage body 21 and moveable longitudinally along the length thereof is a transversely disposed ejector panel (not shown) against which refuse transferred into the storage body is compacted and 3 which may be moved rearwardly to reject refuse in the storage body when the receiving hopper is lifted clear of the storage body.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, the refuse receiving hopper consists of a pair of side walls 26 and 27 pivotally connected at their upper ends to the upper rearward end of the storage body 21, bottom wall sections 28 and 29, and top wall sections 30 and 31, defining a forwardly disposed opening 32 communicating with the interior of the storage body and a rearwardly disposed opening 33 through which refuse may be charged into the interior of the receiving hopper. As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the interior of the hopper is provided with a transversely disposed, rearwardly and downwardly projecting deflector plate 34 having an upper surface 35 disposed parallel with the downwardly and rearwardly disposed longitudinal center line of the hopper, which provides a restricted passageway 36 intercommunicating the lower portion of the hopper interior with the interior of the storage body.

Provided in the side walls 26 and 27 of the hopper. along thelongitudinal center line thereof. is a pair of elongated openings which function as a pair of transversely spaced tracks for guiding the mechanism 22 along the length of the hopper. as later will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom wall sections 28 and 29 are provided with an interior planar surface 37 disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal center line of the hopper and which intersects substantially as a secant. an interior curved surface 38 having an axis of curvature disposed within the plane including the longitudinal center of the hopper. Refuse charged through the rear opening 33 is deposited on surfaces 37 and 38 either by manually lifting and dumping refuse containers into the hopper or utilizing a power operated system to tilt larger refuse containers on brackets mounted on the rear end of the hopper ad jacent the side walls 26 and 27.

The mechanism 22 generally consists of a carriage or carrier assembly 39 slideable along the downwardly and rearwardly disposed longitudinal center line of the receiving hopper. a pair of fluid actuated piston and cylinder assemblies 40 and 41 interconnecting the carrier assembly 39 and the side walls 26 and 27 of the re fuse hopper for moving the carrier assembly rectilinearly along the longitudinal center line of the receiving hopper, a packer panel 42 pivotally connected at its forward end to the rear end of the carrier assembly 39, and a pair of fluid actuated piston and cylinder assemblies 43 and 44 for pivoting the packer panel 42 relative to the carrier assembly 39.

The piston and cylinder assemblies 40 and 41 are mounted on the exterior sides of the hopper side walls 26 and 27 and lie in the plane of the longitudinal center line of the hopper. The fluid cylinders 40a and 41a of assemblies 40 and 41 are connected at their lower ends to brackets mounted on the side walls 26 and 27. The free ends of the piston rods 40!) and 41b of the assemblies are operatively connected to brackets rigidly mounted on the carrier unit 39 and projecting laterally through the elongated openings in the hopper side walls. It thus will be seen that upon applying fluid under pressure to the ends of fluid cylinders 40a and 41a, piston rods 40b and 41b will be caused to extend and retract, correspondingly to move the, carrier assembly 39 along the longitudinal center line of the hopper.

The piston and cylinder assemblies 43 and 44 include a pair of fluid cylinders 43a and 44a pivotally con- 4 nected at their forward ends to a forwardly disposed upper portion of the carrier assembly 39, and a pair of piston rods 43b and 4412 which are pivotally connected at the free ends thereof to an arm portion 420 of packer panel 42. As shown in FIG. 2, when fluid under pressure is supplied selectively to the ends of fluid cylinders 43a and 44a, piston rods 43b and 4412 will be caused to extend and retract correspondingly to pivot packer panel 42 relative to the carrier assembly and thus provide the refuse sweeping and crushing action of the packer panel. FIG. 2 further illustrates the sequential positions of the packer panel 42 during a cycle of the mechanism 22.

The control system illustrated in FIG. 8 is operable selectively to actuate the carrier cylinder and piston assemblies 40 and 41 and the packer panel cylinder and piston assemblies 43 and 44 sequentially for cycling the mechanism 22 within the receiving hopper, to swing the receiving hopper upwardly clear of the storage body, and to move the ejector panel longitudinally for ejecting refuse from the storage body. The system includes a fluid tank 45 provided with a filter 46, a pump 47, a selector valve 48, the control valve 25,, a pilot control valve 49, a sequence valve 50 and interconnecting fluid lines which will be described in connection with the operation of the system. The selector valve 48 and control valve 25 are spool type valves, the spools of which may be shifted along their lengths to divert fluid under pressure to various components of 1 the system, as will be described. The pilot operated valve 49 generally is a pressure sensitive type of valve which is operable to shift the spools of the control valve 25 as will be described.

As best illustrated in FIG. 9, control valve 25 consists of an end section 250, intermediate sections 25b, 25c and 25d, and an end section 25e, secured together by means of a plurality of bolts 51. Valve section 250 is provided with an internal configuration similar to the internal configuration illustrated in FIG. 10, and more specifically includes a cylindrical bore adapted to receive an axially shiftable valve spool, a fluid passageway 52 communicating with an inlet port and grooves provided in the cylindrical bore, a center fluid drain passageway 53 communicating with the spool bore, an outlet port 54 communicating with fluid drain passageway 53, and end fluid drain passageways 55 and 56 which communicate with grooves provided in the spool bore wall.

Valve section 250 essentially functions as a relief valve. In the conventional manner, the valve spool of section 25a is grooved and spring biased in an axial position so as to provide intercommunication between the I inlet and outlet ports thereof. However, whenever line pressure exceeds a predetermined value as determined by the biasing spring acting on the valve spool, the spool will shift axially against the action of the spring to intercommunicate the inlet and outlet ports thereof and thus prevent fluid under, excessive pressure to be supplied to the subsequent stages of the control valve.

The internal configurations of intermediate valve 7 sections 251) and 250 are similar to the internal configuration of intermediate section 25d illustrated in FIG.

10. Valve section 25b includes a cylindrical bore in whichthere is disposed an axially shiftable valve spool 57. In addition, valve section 25b includes a fluid passageway 52a communicating with fluid passageway 52 of section 25:: and grooves formed in the spool bore wall of the section, a fluid drain passageway 53a communicating with the cylindrical bore therein and fluid drain passageway 53 of section a, end fluid drain passageways 55a and 56a communicating with the spool bore therein and end fluid passageways 55 and 56 of section 250, and ports 58 and 59 which also communicate with the cylindrical bore therein.

Whenever valve spool 57 is in an outwardly disposed position. the spool will function to intercommunicate fluid passageway 520 with port 58 and port 59 with drain passageway 56a. Whenever the spool is in an inwardly disposed retracted position, the spool will function to intercommunicate fluid passageway 52a and port 59 and intercommunicate port 58 with fluid drain passageway 55a. Valve spool 57 is retained in the inwardly disposed position by means of a spool holding assembly 60 mounted on the end of section 25b which generally includes a cap 61 bolted on the end of section 25b including an inlet port 61, a poppet sleeve 62 mounted within cap 60 and a poppet retainer 63 threaded into the end of valve spool 57 and provided with spring biased balls 64 which are adapted to be received in an annular groove in sleeve 62 to yieldably hold the valve spool in the conventional manner. As later will be described, a fluid line 95 is connected to inlet port 61 to supply fluid under pressure to cap 60 which bears upon the end of poppet retainer 63 to cause the retainer to be released and, correspondingly, the valve spool to shift axially.

Valve section 25(' is identical in construction and operation to valve section 25b. The section includes an axially shiftable valve spool 65 provided with a spool holding assembly 600, a fluid passageway 52b communicating with fluid passageway 52a of section 25b and communicable with fluid ports 66 and 67 and center fluid drain passageway 53b communicating with fluid drain passageway 53b of section 25b, an end fluid drain passageway 55b communicating with drain passageway 55a of section 25b and commmunicable with fluid port 66, and an end fluid drain passageway 56b communicating with drain passageway 56:: of section 25b and communicable with fluid port 67.

Valve section 25d is provided with a cylindrical bore 68 in which there is disposed an axially shiftable valve spool 69. Internally, section 25d is provided with a fluid passageway 520 which communicates with fluid passageway 52b of section 250 and a pair of annular grooves 70 and 71 formed in the wall of cylindrical bore 68, by means of passageways 72, 73 and 74. The section further is provided with a fluid drain passageway 530 which communicates with bore 68 in the section and fluid passageway 53b in section 250, and end fluid drain passageways 55c and 56c which communicate with fluid drain passageways 55b and 56b of section 25c, and grooves 75 and 76 formed in the wall of the cylindrical bore therein.

Valve spool 69 is biased in the outwardly disposed position, as illustrated in FIG. 10, by means of a spring assembly 77. Generally, such assembly includes a cap 78 secured by screws to the end of section 250', a guide element 79 disposed in cap 78, a washer 80 disposed within cap 78 and secured on the end of valve spool 69 by means of a bolt 81, and a spring 82 interposed between guide 79 and washer 80.

Internally, end section 25c is provided with passageways intercommunicating drain passageways 53c, 55c and 56c with an outlet port 83.

With valve spool 69 biased outwardly as illustrated in FIG. 10, it will be seen that fluid under pressure sup- 6 plied to control valve 25 will be caused to flow through intercommunicating passageways 52, 52a, 52b, 520, 72,74 and drain passageway 530 to outlet port 83 and be returned to tank. Such flow path, offering the path of least resistance. will prevent fluid under pressure from being supplied to any of fluid ports 58, 59, 66, and 67 as would be required to operate the actuating cylinders for the carriage and panel of the packer mechanism. Accordingly, it further will be appreciated that unless valve 69 is shifted inwardly, to obstruct communication between passageways 74 and fluid drain passageway 53c' in valve section 25d, no fluid under pressure will be supplied to operate the packer mechanism.

In the operation of the control system to cycle packer mechanism 22, when the carrier assembly and packer panel are in the positions as illustrated by solid lines in FIG. 2, pump 47 is operating, and spools 57, 65 and 69 of control valve 25 are shifted inwardly by means of control valve operating mechanism 24, to begin the cycling of packer mechanism 22, pump 47 supplies fluid under pressure through a line 83, selector valve 48 and line 84 to control valve 25. With valve spool 57 positioned inwardly. fluid is caused to flow through passageways 52a and outlet port 59 of valve section 25b, and through fluid lines 85 and 86 to the rod ends of cylinders 43a and 44a, and simultaneously through passageways 52b and port 67 of valve section 250, and through fluid lines 87 and 88 to the rod ends of cylinders 40a and 410. Under such conditions, piston rods 43b and 44b will be caused to pivot upwardly. Fluid from the piston ends of cylinders 43a and 4411 will be caused to flow through fluid line 89, port 58 and drain passageways 55a. 55b and 550, outlet port 83 and return line 90 to tank 45. Similarly, fluid from the piston ends of cylinders 40a and 410 will be caused to flow through fluid line 91, sequence valve 50, fluid line 92, port 66, drain passageways 55b and 550, outlet port 83 and return line 90 to tank.

Sequence valve 50 functions to restrict the flow of fluid from the piston ends of cylinders 40a and 410 until such time that pistons 43b and 44b have been fully detracted and the full pressure of the system is applied to the rod ends of cylinders 40a and 41a, whereupon sequence valve 50 opens fully to permit pistons 40!; and 41b to be fully retracted. The effect of such action is to cause the carrier assembly 39 to begin drifting rearwardly from position A to position B, as illustrated in FIG. 2, as rods 43d and 4441 are caused to retract fully to pivot packer panel 42 upwardly to a position as illustrated by the reference numeral 93.

When piston rods 40b and 41b become fully retracted, positioning packer panel 42 in the position designated by reference numeral 96, the pressure in fluid lines 87 and 88 will increase to a predetermined amount and be transmitted through a fluid line 94 to actuate a cartridge P in pilot valve 49. This functions to supply fluid under pressure through a fluid line 95 to spool holding assembly 60, causing spool 57 to shift outwardly thus stopping the flow of fluid to the rod ends of cylinders 43a and 44a, and providing a supply of fluid from fluid port 58 and through fluid line 89 to the piston ends of cylinders 43a and 44a to extend piston rods 43 and 44b and thus pivot the packer panel downwardly from the position designated by reference number 96 to the position designated by reference numerial 97, in FIG. 2. When piston rods 43b and 44b are fully extended sothat the packer panel is in the position designated by reference numerial 97, pressure 7 increases to a predetermined amount in fluid line 89 which is transmitted to pilot valve 49 by means of a fluid line 98, to actuate a cartridge P Such actuation causes fluid under pressure to flow through fluid line 99 to holding assembly 600 and cause valve spool 65 to shift outwardly.

The shifting of spool 65 outwardly will cause fluid under pressure to be applied through valve port 66, fluid line 92, sequence valve 50 and fluid line 91 to the piston ends of cylinders 40a and 41a to extend piston rods 40b and 41b. The extension of piston rods 40b and 41b will have the effect of causing the carrier assembly to be moved upwardly to its uppermost position thus moving the packer panel from the position designated by reference numerial 97 to its original starting position as illustrated by the solid lines in FIG. 2. The cycling of packer panel 42 thus will have been completed.

Although sequence valve 50 functions to restrict the flow of fluid from the piston ends of cylinders 40a and 41a when piston rods 40]) and 41b are being retracted, until such time as the fluid pressure in fluid lines 87 and 88 reach a predetermined amount, the valve is free flowing in the opposite direction so that it will not function to impede the supply of fluid to the piston ends of cylinder 40a and 41a when fluid under pressure is ap plied to fluid line 92. Furthermore, it is to be noted that fluid leaking from sequence valve 50 may be conducted to the pilot valve by means of a fluid line 100, and futher that pilot valve 49 is provided with a drain line 101. It also is to be noted that fluid from tank 45 is supplied through filter 46 and a fluid line 102 to the inlet side of pump 47.

Control valve operating mechanism 24 is adapted to be supported on the top wall section 31 and side walls 26 and 27 of the hopper adjacent control valve 25 which also is mounted on the underside of the top wall section 31, as best illustrated in FIG. 2. Referring to FIGS. 3 through 5, operating mechanism 24 includes a rectangularly shaped support bracket 110 disposed in substantially longitudinal alignment with the control valve 25, rearwardly thereof, having a top wall section 111 rigidly secured to the underside of top wall section 31 immediately rearwardly of a cross-beam member 112, a spaced bottom wall section 113 and a pair of interconnectin g side wall sections 114 and 115. Mounted on the upper, forward portion of side wall section 115 is a bell crank assembly 116 to which there is pivotally connected a pair of transversely disposed control rods 117 and 118. The assembly 116 includes a U-shaped bracket having a web section 119 rigidly secured to side wall section 1 of support bracket 110, and a pair of leg sections 120 and 121. Journaled in the leg sections 120 and 121, is a pivot pin 122 on which there is rigidly mounted between the leg sections 120 and 121, a diametrically disposed lever 123, and, exteriorly of leg 120, a radially disposed lever arm 124.

As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, control rod 117 is provided at its inner end with a clevis 125 which is connected to the forwardly disposed portion of lever 123 by means of a connecting pin 126. The outer end of the control rod 117 extends through an opening in hopper side wall 26 and is provided with a clevis 127 pivotally connected to an actuating assembly 128. Control rod 118 similarly is provided at its inner end with a clevis 129 extending through an opening provided in side wall section 115 and pivotally connected to the rearwardly disposed portion of lever 123 by means of a connecting pin 130. The outer end of control rod 118 extends 8 through an opening in hopper side wall 27 and is provided with a clevis 131 pivotally connected to an actuating assembly 132.

Lever arm 124 is operatively connected to spool 57 of control valve 25 by means of a connecting link 133 provided at its rearward end with a clevis 134 pivotally connected to lever arm 124 by means of a connecting pin 135 and provided at its forward end with a clevis 136 pivotally connected to spool 57 by means of a connecting pin 137.

Mounted on the outer lower sides of bracket side wall sections 1 14 and 115 is a pair of bearing plates 138 and 139 which are secured to the bracket 110 by means of bolts 140. Journaled in the forward ends of bearing plates 138 and 139 and the hopper side walls 26 and 27 is a control rod 141. The control rod 141 includes a pair of aligned control rod sections 142 and 143 secured together at their inner ends within the bracket 110 by means of a coupling sleeve 144. As best shown in FIG. 3, control rod section 142 is journaled at its outer end in a journal block 145 mounted on the hopper side wall 27 and extends through an opening in such side wall. The inner end of control rod section 142 is journaled in bearing plate 139 and passes through an opening in side wall section 115 where it is secured to the coupling sleeve 144 by means of a bolt and nut fastener. Similarly, the outer end of control rod section 143 is journaled in a journal block 147 mounted on hopper side wall 26 and extends through an opening in. such wall. The inner end of control rodsection 143is journaled in bearing plate 138 and extends through an opening in bracket side wall 114 where it is secured to the coupling sleeve 144 by means of a bolt and nut fastener.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, actuating assembly 132 consists of a housing member 148 rigidly connected to the outer end of control rod section 142, and a handle member 149 journaled in the housing member 148 and pivotally connected to clevis 131 of control rod 118. As best shown in FIG. 7, housing member 148 is provided with a tubular main section 150 and a tubular coupling I section 151 having an axis disposed substantially radially to the axis of tubular section 150, which receives therein the outer end of control rod section 142. The outerend of control rod section 142 is rigidly secured within the coupling section 151 by means of a bolt and nut fastener 152. Handle 149 includes a main section 153 journaled in the tubular section 150 of the housing member, and an angularly offset section 154. The free end of main handle section 153 projects beyond the upper end of the tubular section 150 and is provided with a radially disposed lever arm 155 pivotally connected at the end thereof to clevis 131 by means of a bolt and nut fastener 156.

It will be appreciated that by manipulating handle 132 to pivot main handle section 153 about its axis, lever arm 155 correspondingly will be caused to pivot and thus move control rod 118 rectilinearly along its axis to operate the bell crank assembly 116. In addi- -tion, it will be noted that pivoting handle 149 about the axis of control rod section 142 will cause the control rod 141 to pivot about its axis. The actuating assembly 128 disposed on the opposite side of the hopper is substantially identical in construction and operation to the actuating assembly 132. Accordingly, it will be seen that by manipulating either of the actuating assemblies 128 or 132, control rods 117 and 118 will be caused to.

move rectilinearly along their axes to operate the bell crank assembly 1 16, and control rod 141 will be caused to rotate about its axis. Control rod 141 is operatively connected to spool 65 of control valve 25 by means of a lever arm 157 and a connecting link 158 provided at its rearward end with a clevis 159 pivotally connected to lever arm 127, and at its forward end with a clevis 160 pivotally connected to valve spool 65.

Disposed rearwardly and substantially parallel to control rod 141 is a control rod 161 which is journaled intermediate the ends thereof in bearing plates 138 and 139 and at its outer ends in journal blocks mounted on the inner sides of the hopper side walls. The outer ends of control rod 161 project laterally from side walls 26 and 27 and are provided with actuating assemblies 162. As best illustrated in FIG. 1, an assembly 162 consists of a lever arm 163 rigidly mounted on an end of control rod 161, an actuating handle 164 pivotally mounted on a hopper side wall 26 or 27, and an interconnecting link 165 pivotally connected at the ends thereof to lever arm 163 and actuating handle 164. It will be seen that by pivoting actuating handle 134 about its pivot axis,

such motion will be transmitted to the lever arm 163 to correspondingly rotate control rod 161. The rotational motion of control rod 161 is translated to reciprocating motion of valve spool 69 by means of a lever arm 166 rigidly mounted on control rod 161 and a connecting link 167 pivotally connected at one end thereof to lever arm 166 by means of a clevis 168 and pivotally connecting at the opposite end thereof to valve spool 69 by means of a clevis 169.

After a load of refuse has been loaded into the receiving hopper and it is desired to cycle packer panel 42 to transfer the refuse into the storage body and compact it therein, handle 154 on either side of the hopper is grasped, pivoted outwardly away from the side wall of the hopper and pulled rearwardly. Such action initially causes control rod sections 117 and 118 to shift axially inwardly to pivot bell crank 116 and correspondingly shift connecting rod 133 forwardly to shift valve spool 57 inwardly. Next, control rod 141 is caused to rotate about its longitudinal axis and correspondingly pivot arm 157, shifting connecting rod 158 forwardly to shift valve spool 65 inwardly.

Under such conditions, although valve ports 59 and 67 will be communicating with line pressure, by virtue of the fact that valve spool 69 will be in the position as illustrated in FIG. whereby line pressure is communicated through valve section d passageways 72 and 74, and the cylindrical bore thereof, with fluid drain passageway 530, no fluid under pressure will be supplied to any of the cylinders to cause any movement of carriage assembly 39 or packer panel 42.

To initiate the cycling of the packer mechanism, it is necessary for the operator to manually grasp operating handle 164 and pivot it rearwardly. Such action will cause control rod 161 to rotate about its longitudinal axis and correspondingly shift connecting link 167 forwardly to shift valve spool 69 inwardly against the biasing action of spring 82. Such shifting of valve spool 69 will block communication between fluid passageway 52c and fluid drain passageway 530 of valve section 25d thus blocking the communication of line pressure to tank and permitting fluid under pressure to be supplied through ports 59 and 67 of the control valve to initiate the cycling of the packer mechanism.

In order to permit the packer mechanism to cycle as previously described, it is necessary for the operator to maintain val\e spool 69 in the inwardly disposed position, against the action of spring 82. This can be accomplished only by maintaining control handle 164 in a rearwardly or pulled back position. Once the operator releases handle 164, return spring 82 will cause valve spool 69 to shift outwardly thus again communicating line pressure to tank causing the cycling of the packer mechanism to stop.

Control handle 164 is mounted on the side of the hopper remote from the packer mechanism so that when the operator is holding the handle in the operating position to cycle the packer mechanism, he will be located away from the moving packer panel thus avoiding any contact with the packer panel while it is cycling. Under such circumstances, any injury to the operator as a result of the cycling of the packer mechanism, is avoided.

Selector valve 48 may be operated in the conventional manner to supply fluid under pressure through fluid lines 170 and 171 to opposite ends of a cylinder 172 for moving the ejector panel longitudinally either to compact refuse in the storage body or to eject refuse therefrom. When refuse is to be ejected from the refuse body, the selector valve is operated to supply fluid under pressure through fluid lines 173 and 174 to the piston ends of a pair of cylinders 175 and 176 to extend pistons 175a and 176a thereof and pivot the refuse hopper to an elevated position, to permit the ejector panel to move rearwardly and eject refuse from the storage body.

From the foregoingdetailed description. it will be evident that a number of changes, adaptations and modifications of the present invention which come within the providence of those persons skilled in the art. However it is intended that all such variations not departing from the spirit of the invention be considered as within the scope thereof as limited solely by the appended claims.

1 claim: I

1. In a refuse collection vehicle including a refuse storage body, a refuse receiving hopper mounted on said refuse storage body and communicating interiorly with said storage body, a mechanism mounted in said refuse receiving hopper for transferring refuse depos ited in said hopper into said storage body and compacting the refuse therein, said mechanism including a panel engagable with refuse deposited in said refuse receiving hopper, a first fluid actuated component operatively connected to said panel, a second fluid actuated component operatively connected to said panel and co operable with said first fluid actuated component for cycling said panel through a predetermined cycle, and a fluid system for operating said first and second fluid actuated components, said fluid system including a first means communicating with a source of fluid under pressure for controlling the supply of fluid under pres sure for actuating said first actuated component and second means communicating with the source of fluid under pressure for controlling the supply of fluid under pressure for actuating said second fluid actuated component, an assembly for interrupting and stopping the cycling of said panel comprising means operable in a first condition for diverting fluid from said source of fluid under pressure, from said fluid supply control means, means for biasing said diverting means into said first condition, and manually actuated means operatively connected to said diverting means for removing said diverting means from said first condition, against the action of said biasing means, thus preventing the 1 l diversion of said fluid under pressure from said fluid supply control means.

2. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said diverting means comprises a valve including an axially shiftable valve spool.

3. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said diverting means comprises a valve including an axially shiftable valve spool, and said biasing means comprises a spring exerting a biasing force axially on said valve spool.

4. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said diverting means comprises a valve including an axially shiftable valve spool, said biasing means comprises a spring exerting a biasing force axially on said valve spool, and said removing means comprises a mechanical linkage mounted on said refuse receiving hopper and operably connected to said valve spool.

5. An assembly according to claim 4 wherein said mechanical linkage includes a handle which may be manipulated manually to shift said valve spool axially against the biasing action of said spring.

6. An assembly according to claim 5 wherein said handle is mounted exteriorly on said refuse receiving hopper, remote from said panel.

7. In a refuse collection vehicle including a refuse storage body, a refuse receiving hopper mounted on said refuse storage body and communicating interiorly with said storage body and a mechanism mounted in said refuse receiving hopper for transferring refuse deposited in said hopper into said storage body and compacting the refuse therein, said mechanism including a panel engagable with refuse deposited in said refuse re ceiving hopper, a first fluid actuated component operatively connected to said panel and a second actuated component operatively connected to said panel and cooperable with said first fluid actuated component for cycling said panel through a predetermined cycle, a control system for operating said fluid actuated components comprising a fluid circuit including a pump and tank, a first valve communicating with said fluid circuit between the outlet port of said pump and said tank, selectively operable for supplying fluid under pressure to said first fluid actuated component. a second valve communicating with said fluid circuit between said output of said pump and said tank, selectively operable for supplying fluid under pressure to said second fluid actuated component, a third valve disposed in said fluid circuit between the point of communication of said second valve with said fluid circuit and said tank, means for operating said first valve, means for operating said second valve, means for biasing said third valve in the closed position to prevent the return of fluid to said tank, and manually actuated means operatively connected to said third valve for moving said valve to an opened position, against the action of said biasing means.

8. A control system according to claim 7 wherein said means for operating said first and second valves and opening said third valve comprise manually operated mechanical linkages mounted on said refuse receiving hopper and operatively connected to said valve.

9. An assembly according to claim 8 wherein said mechanical linkages include handles which may be manipulated to operate said valves.

10. A control system according to claim 9 wherein said handles are mounted exteriorly of said refuse receiving hopper, remote from said panel.

11. In a refuse collection vehicle including a refuse storage body, a refuse receiving hopper mounted on said refuse storage body and communicating interiorly with said storage body and a mechanism mounted on said refuse receiving hopper for transferring refuse deposited in said hopper into said storage body and compacting the refuse therein, said mechanism including a panel engagable with refuse deposited in said refuse receiving hopper, a first fluid actuated component operatively connected to said panel and a second actuated component operatively connected to said panel and cooperable with said first fluid actuated component for cycling said panel through a predetermined cycle, a control system for operating said fluid actuated components comprising a fluid tank, a pump having an inlet communicating with said tank, a control valve having a main fluid passageway therethrough communicating at an inlet port thereof with'the outlet of said pump and an outlet port communicating with said tank, said control valve including a first valve spool selectively operable for communicating said main fluid passageway with said first fluid actuated component, a second valve spool selectively operable for communicating said main fluid passageway withsaid second fluid actuated component and a third valve spool disposed between said second valve spool and the outlet port of said main valve passageway, movable axially between a first position obstructing said main fluid passageway and a second position unobstructing said main fluid passageway, said valve including means for biasing said third valve spool in said first position, means for shifting first valve spool axially for controlling the supply of fluid under pressure to said first fluid actuated component, means for shifting said second valve spool axially for controlling the supply of fluid under pressure to said second fluid actuated component and means for shifting said third valve spool from said first position to said second position against the action of said biasing means.

12. A control system according to claim 11 wherein said means for shifting said valve spools comprise manually operated mechanical linkages mounted on said refuse receiving hopper and operably connected to said valve spools.

13. A control system according to claim 12 wherein said mechanical linkages include handles which may be manipulated manually to shift said valve spools.

14. A control system according to claim 13 wherein said handles are mounted exteriorly of said refuse receiving hopper, remote from said panel.

15. A control system according to claim 11 wherein said means for shifting said valve spools comprise a first control rod mounted on said hopper for rectilinear motion along its longitudinal axis, a control rod mounted on said hopper for rotational movement about its longitudinal axis, a third control rod mounted on said hopper for rotational movement about its longitudinal axis, means operatively connected to said first and second control rods for independently moving said first control rod rectilinearly along its axis and rotating its second control rod about its axis, means operatively connected to said third control rod for rotating said third control rod about its axis, means operatively interconnecting said first control rod and said first valve spool for translating the rectilinear movement of said first control rod to rectilinear movement of said first valve spool, means operatively interconnecting said second control rod and said second valve spool for translating the rotational movement of the second con- 3,9 17,085 13 14 trol rod to rectilinear movement of said second valve tational movement of said third control rod to rectilinspool, and means operatively interconnecting said third ear movement of said third valve spool. control rod and said third valve spool for translating ro- 

1. In a refuse collection vehicle including a refuse storage body, a refuse receiving hopper mounted on said refuse storage body and communicating interiorly with said storage body, a mechanism mounted in said refuse receiving hopper for transferring refuse deposited in said hopper into said storage body and compacting the refuse therein, said mechanism including a panel engagable with refuse deposited in said refuse receiving hopper, a first fluid actuated component operatively connected to said panel, a second fluid actuated component operatively connected to said panel and cooperable with said first fluid actuated component for cycling said panel through a predetermined cycle, and a fluid system for operating said first and second fluid actuated components, said fluid system including a first means communicating with a source of fluid under pressure for controlling the supply of fluid under pressure for actuating said first actuated component and second means communicating with the source of fluid under pressure for controlling the supply of fluid under pressure for actuating said second fluid actuated component, an assembly for interrupting and stopping the cycling of said panel comprising means operable in a first condition for diverting fluid from said source of fluid under pressure, from said fluid supply control means, means for biasing said diverting means into said first condition, and manually actuated means operatively connected to said diverting means for removing said diverting means from said first condition, against the action of said biasing means, thus preventing the diversion of said fluid under pressure from said fluid supply control means.
 2. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said diverting means comprises a valve including an axially shiftable valve spool.
 3. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said diverting means comprises a valve including an axially shiftable valve spool, and said biasing means comprises a spring exerting a biasing force axially on said valve spool.
 4. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said diverting means comprises a valve including an axially shiftable valve spool, said biasing means comprises a spring exerting a biasing force axially on said valve spool, and said removing means comprises a mechanical linkage mounted on said refuse receiving hopper and operably connected to said valve spool.
 5. An assembly according to claim 4 wherein said mechanical linkage includes a handle which may be manipulated manually to shift said valve spool axially against the biasing action of said spring.
 6. An assembly according to claim 5 wherein said handle is mounted exteriorly on said refuse receiving hopper, remote from said panel.
 7. In a refuse collection vehicle including a refuse storage body, a refuse receiving hopper mounted on said refuse storage body and communicating interiorly with said storage body and a mechanism mounted in said refuse receiving hopper for transferring refuse deposited in said hopper into said storage body and compacting the refuse therein, said mechanism including a panel engagable with refuse deposited in said refuse receiving hopper, a first fluid actuated component operatively connected to said panel and a second actuated component operatively connected to said panel and cooperable with said first fluid actuated component for cycling said panel through a predetermined cycle, a control system for operating said fluid actuaTed components comprising a fluid circuit including a pump and tank, a first valve communicating with said fluid circuit between the outlet port of said pump and said tank, selectively operable for supplying fluid under pressure to said first fluid actuated component, a second valve communicating with said fluid circuit between said output of said pump and said tank, selectively operable for supplying fluid under pressure to said second fluid actuated component, a third valve disposed in said fluid circuit between the point of communication of said second valve with said fluid circuit and said tank, means for operating said first valve, means for operating said second valve, means for biasing said third valve in the closed position to prevent the return of fluid to said tank, and manually actuated means operatively connected to said third valve for moving said valve to an opened position, against the action of said biasing means.
 8. A control system according to claim 7 wherein said means for operating said first and second valves and opening said third valve comprise manually operated mechanical linkages mounted on said refuse receiving hopper and operatively connected to said valve.
 9. An assembly according to claim 8 wherein said mechanical linkages include handles which may be manipulated to operate said valves.
 10. A control system according to claim 9 wherein said handles are mounted exteriorly of said refuse receiving hopper, remote from said panel.
 11. In a refuse collection vehicle including a refuse storage body, a refuse receiving hopper mounted on said refuse storage body and communicating interiorly with said storage body and a mechanism mounted on said refuse receiving hopper for transferring refuse deposited in said hopper into said storage body and compacting the refuse therein, said mechanism including a panel engagable with refuse deposited in said refuse receiving hopper, a first fluid actuated component operatively connected to said panel and a second actuated component operatively connected to said panel and cooperable with said first fluid actuated component for cycling said panel through a predetermined cycle, a control system for operating said fluid actuated components comprising a fluid tank, a pump having an inlet communicating with said tank, a control valve having a main fluid passageway therethrough communicating at an inlet port thereof with the outlet of said pump and an outlet port communicating with said tank, said control valve including a first valve spool selectively operable for communicating said main fluid passageway with said first fluid actuated component, a second valve spool selectively operable for communicating said main fluid passageway with said second fluid actuated component and a third valve spool disposed between said second valve spool and the outlet port of said main valve passageway, movable axially between a first position obstructing said main fluid passageway and a second position unobstructing said main fluid passageway, said valve including means for biasing said third valve spool in said first position, means for shifting first valve spool axially for controlling the supply of fluid under pressure to said first fluid actuated component, means for shifting said second valve spool axially for controlling the supply of fluid under pressure to said second fluid actuated component and means for shifting said third valve spool from said first position to said second position against the action of said biasing means.
 12. A control system according to claim 11 wherein said means for shifting said valve spools comprise manually operated mechanical linkages mounted on said refuse receiving hopper and operably connected to said valve spools.
 13. A control system according to claim 12 wherein said mechanical linkages include handles which may be manipulated manually to shift said valve spools.
 14. A control system according to claim 13 wherein said handles are mounted exteriorly of said refuse receiving hopper, rEmote from said panel.
 15. A control system according to claim 11 wherein said means for shifting said valve spools comprise a first control rod mounted on said hopper for rectilinear motion along its longitudinal axis, a control rod mounted on said hopper for rotational movement about its longitudinal axis, a third control rod mounted on said hopper for rotational movement about its longitudinal axis, means operatively connected to said first and second control rods for independently moving said first control rod rectilinearly along its axis and rotating its second control rod about its axis, means operatively connected to said third control rod for rotating said third control rod about its axis, means operatively interconnecting said first control rod and said first valve spool for translating the rectilinear movement of said first control rod to rectilinear movement of said first valve spool, means operatively interconnecting said second control rod and said second valve spool for translating the rotational movement of the second control rod to rectilinear movement of said second valve spool, and means operatively interconnecting said third control rod and said third valve spool for translating rotational movement of said third control rod to rectilinear movement of said third valve spool. 